I remember when I first saw him. My heart stopped and my breath was torn from my lungs. He stood out, head and shoulders above everyone, in complete black.

It was the second Imperial Day, and I was twenty-one. My twin sister Enceladus and I spent the day at the fair, eating foods and shopping for gifts from far off worlds, little family-run shops, and cafes that blossomed under the Empire's stability, allowing them to travel to Coruscant to show off their wares. Then, as dusk approached, we hurried home to change into our Imperial finery. Mother always dressed us in powder blue, believing that it contrasted well with our pale skin, white-blonde hair, and blue eyes.

Enceladus and I were two of six children. Our parents were Enoch and Meda Brahe. Father was the Chancellor's turned Emperor's Chief Financial Advisor. Enoch II was the eldest of us with his twin Kenna. Enoch was poised to take our father's position upon his retirement. Kenna was a political activist who secured the fourteen- to thirty-five-year-old female demographic's favor of Emperor Palpatine. Mira and Eri were the youngest at nine years old and not in attendance. Enceladus was an artist despite her troubles with rebellion and addiction. She would disappear for days, worrying Mother and Father, and would come back with a slew of blunders that Father would have to sweep under the rug to protect our image. And I, well, just wanted to help people. So I stumbled into a nursing program at the University of Coruscant. We were exalted as an example of a proud, exemplary Imperial family. I never knew need or want.

As I laughed and danced with my friends and family, I had no idea how my life would change in moments. And then I saw him. The Emperor sat partially obscured by the shadows on his throne. He came from behind a hidden door on the dais. It was like an omen had entered the room. My heart stopped, the sound of wind howled through my ears, drawing me to this man, and my breath was ripped from my lungs. Everything was still and quiet, like waiting for thunder after a lightning strike. Everyone feared him, but I was attracted; something about how his cape billowed around him as he walked, like a wraith through water and his lean and powerful silhouette. Finally, he stopped and stood by the Emperor's right hand.

"Father?" I asked, "Who is that?" I couldn't take my eyes off him.

"Ah, that's Lord Vader, the Emperor's second in command. Our safety and security lie in his hands," Father said proudly, "You fancy him, don't you?" He said with a knowing twinkle in his eyes.

I blushed, avoiding his gaze.

"I'll see if I can arrange a meeting," he said, grinning. Then, he disappeared into the crowd.

It wasn't long before Father was standing on the dais, gesturing for me to come over. Steeling my nerves, I did as I was told.

"Your Majesty," I said, bowing to the Emperor.

He greeted me with a small dismissive, passive wave of his hand. Ever since the traitorous Jedi, Mace Windu scarred him, Emperor Palpatine had become a changed man. Before, I would have been greeted by a warm smile, likely even a grandfatherly hug. Now, he was a shadow of the gregarious man I once knew.

"Sissy, I want you to meet Lord Darth Vader," Father announced.

"My Lord," I said, dipping my head and bowing deeply, deeper than I had for the Emperor, a person I had since I was born.

I was met with the smallest of nods.

"This is my second oldest daughter, Aniasis. She's proving to be quite the nurse, patched me right up when I sliced my finger open with a kitchen knife!" Father said proudly, showing off the minuscule scar on his finger.

"I'm very proud of you, Sissy." Palpatine croaked. "You will serve your Empire well, I'm sure."

I smiled and bowed my head demurely, remembering the manners and etiquette drilled into me since birth; only speak when spoken to, let the men talk, it's better for a woman to be seen than heard, remain submissive to authority figures. Although I was a little embarrassed by my father's display, it was such a miniscule injury, anyone with common sense could tend to it. However, hearing the Emperor's words made my heart swell with pride.

"You are dismissed, Sissy," Father said.

I tried not to stare at Lord Vader the rest of the night, only stealing glimpses. He just stood there, still. I'm sure he noticed, but he gave no indication. What was he thinking? Surely, he did not want to be there, likely only there to be as another layer of security for the Emperor.

Enceladus slipped into my room that night after everyone had gone to bed.

"Who do you think he is?" I asked.

"More like what do you think he is," Enceladus said, lighting a cigarra. Mother would have a heart attack knowing Enceladus was smoking in her home or smoking at all.

I glared at her for her rude comment and smoking in my bed. "You shouldn't do that. Your teeth will turn yellow."

"I know what he is," Enceladus said conspiratorially.

My eyes widened, "What?"

"A Sith." She answered.

"A Sith?" I repeated, wondering if she misspoke.

Enceladus leaned in close. I could smell the Ithorian tobacco on her breath. "They're this ancient cult of Force users on the opposite side of the Jedi." She flopped back down on the bed and played with a lock of her hair, "That's what I heard at least." She said in a casual tone.

I turned over and scrunched my pillow up, intending to go to sleep, "That doesn't help me at all."

The next afternoon, I was called to my father's office. I wasn't sure why. I had actually thought we were planning on staging yet another intervention for Enceladus.

Instead, Lord Vader was standing there, before my father. "I have decided to court your daughter." He announced. He didn't turn around to greet me, even to confirm that it was indeed me who entered.

I almost physically reacted to his voice; his order took several moments for me to register. It was a deep, cultured baritone that made my knees weak. I could almost feel the bass vibrating in my ribcage.

My father's expression was a bittersweet one, "My Lord, I must warn you. My Aniasis is a brilliant girl and would make a lovely wife, but she does have a condition that will make it hard for her to conceive, if at all."

I hung my head. I was ashamed that I failed my only duty as a woman before I could even try. I wanted to shout that it wasn't impossible. I had yet to be tested to see exactly where my fertility was.

"She is still adequate," Lord Vader stated.

I came to his side and looked at Lord Vader beseechingly, "I would do anything you ever asked of me."

Father looked at me, then back at Lord Vader, "You have my blessing."

Lord Vader wasn't asking. Instead, he turned and left without another word.

I realized that Lord Vader had never even looked at me. I didn't mind. I would spend my entire life joyfully taking any bit of attention or affection I would get. Sometimes, just standing beside him was enough.

I didn't even notice the sound of his breathing.

Our courtship and the eventual marriage took place throughout several dozen moments. I went to bed without out him as often I went to bed with him—so many moments involved silence. Just being near him was enough. Other times, I was literally stitching him back together.

I was but a chapter in his life story – for me, he was the entire damn book.

My name is Lady Aniasis Vader, wife of Lord Darth Vader, Supreme Commander of the Imperial Fleet, and this is my story.